Deuteronomy 29:29

Authorized King James Version

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The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Original Language Analysis

הַנִּ֨סְתָּרֹ֔ת The secret H5641
הַנִּ֨סְתָּרֹ֔ת The secret
Strong's: H5641
Word #: 1 of 14
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
לַֽיהוָ֖ה things belong unto the LORD H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה things belong unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ our God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְהַנִּגְלֹ֞ת but those things which are revealed H1540
וְהַנִּגְלֹ֞ת but those things which are revealed
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 4 of 14
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
לָ֤ׄנׄוּׄ H0
לָ֤ׄנׄוּׄ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 14
וּׄלְׄבָׄנֵ֙ׄיׄנׄוּ֙ׄ belong unto us and to our children H1121
וּׄלְׄבָׄנֵ֙ׄיׄנׄוּ֙ׄ belong unto us and to our children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 6 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַד for H5704
עַד for
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 7 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָ֔ם ever H5769
עוֹלָ֔ם ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 8 of 14
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת that we may do H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֕וֹת that we may do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 9 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֖י all the words H1697
דִּבְרֵ֖י all the words
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 12 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַתּוֹרָ֥ה of this law H8451
הַתּוֹרָ֥ה of this law
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 13 of 14
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הַזֹּֽאת׃ H2063
הַזֹּֽאת׃
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 14 of 14
this (often used adverb)

Analysis & Commentary

Moses declares: 'The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.' This verse establishes epistemological boundaries—some things remain in God's sovereign counsel, unknown to humans. Believers aren't responsible for secret things (God's hidden purposes) but for revealed things (Scripture's clear commands). The purpose of revelation is obedience ('that we may do'), and it's perpetual ('to us and to our children forever').

Historical Context

This verse comes after warnings about apostasy and judgment. Some questioned God's justice or tried to predict His exact plans. Moses redirects focus from speculation about divine mysteries to obedience to known revelation. Throughout church history, this principle has protected against unhealthy speculation (date-setting for Christ's return) while emphasizing responsibility to obey Scripture's clear commands. Reformed theology especially emphasizes this distinction between God's revealed and secret will.

Questions for Reflection

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